Wednesday, June 24, 2009

An eye for Charleston

Last week I had a chance to go sightseeing through Charleston with long time native and great friend, Ranne Gammus. We started at the Battery and worked our way through all the beautiful gardens and colonial houses, especially the Charlestonian single houses. I didn't realize they called them single because they were only one bedroom wide. They seem a curiosity because their front door also does not open to a living room but to a side porch, even as stately as that front door may appear.

Later we meandered through cobblestone streets to see some of the new construction built by newcomers which I shall not call Yankees by any means, but you get the drift. These new condos are right next to the fountain which is quite refreshing especially for the young folks that come with their parents to see this "holy city." The title is for so many churches located in its city limits.

Then we roamed the market place at a good time because it was getting close to closing time when many market patrons offer really good deals. While examining some bracelets which I wasn't that interested in buying, and frankly had run out of cash a lady told me to make my best offer, and I felt so bad because I didn't have any money to bargain with. I also didn't want to take advantage of her. It was sad. I didn't want to offend her with a cheap offer. Perhaps tomorrow would be a better day. I am sure it would be, at least that was my hope.

Our outing was coming to a close so we went down Market Street, to find Wentworth, Calhoun, and circled back on King. What a name, King, so befitting for a street that is so full of history, drama, stores, hotels, restaurants, and galleries. Old buildings which still retain their original charm and often their founding names though they now house new owners. It is a sight for comfortable shoes and nimble legs, but for us that day all our shots were from a comfortable air conditioned car. Nevertheless, the pictures still capture much of the charm and style of the city, don't you think? Hope you enjoy them.

About Me

About me? I live in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I recently moved back to the island to the surprise of many people. I almost feel like a salmon swimming upstream against that huge current of people migrating to the mainland. About what I care about-- well I love my family, I love people, love beauty, especially in nature. In fact, that is why I started this blog to share things I liked with my family. I take tons of pictures. This blog includes many of the them, especially to document what I paint and where I travel.
Simply put, I am a person on a journey like all of us, hoping to make everyday better, hopeful to be kinder to others and to live out my faith in God. Psalm 19, embodies it. Enjoy my blog!
Creo que debo decir algo en español. Soy puertorriqueña, nacida en el Viejo San Juan y me fui a vivir a los Estados Unidos a los cinco años. Unos de mis mas atesorados recuerdos era de las aceras anchas del Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera y sus lindas plantas. Un jardin. Que curioso verdad? Amo a mi Puerto Rico y voy y vengo a menudo, lo suficiente para siempre poder guiar por sus calles, sus montes, pasear por sus playas, y mi querido Naranjito. Los quiero mucho!